From the Principal's Desk


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Upcoming Events

Upcoming Events

March 6: Principal's Coffee, 7:30am

March 8: Daylight Savings Time Begins (Spring Forward)

March 10: Sophomore College Night

March 20: Nowruz and Eid al-Fitr, No School

March 27: End of 3rd quarter, 2HR Early Release

March 30 - April 3: Spring Break, No School


 

Included in this issue:

 

Student Spotlight

  • Honor Roll Students
  • AVID School Visit to JMU

Calendar Reminders

  • Black History Month Reflection
  • National Women's History Month
  • Celebrating Arts in Our Schools Month
  • Music in Our Schools Month
  • National School Social Work Week, March 2-8
  • Saturday School Dates - Updated!

Fairfax Lions Need to Know:

  • Mock SAT/ACT March 7th
  • Community Conversations with Dr. Reid
  • Student Summit
  • School Breakfast Week, March 2-6
  • Fentanyl Awareness
  • Student Summit 
  • MARS Pass Info
  • Teletherapy for High School Students
  • Student Report Cards

Fairfax Lions Nice to Know:

  • Sophomore Student/Parent College Planning Night
  • Fairfax Academy's MCT Fest!
  • Rotary Club Music Contest
  • Fairfax City Arbor Day Contest
  • District News / In Case You Missed It
  • Quick Links

 

February 27, 2026

 

Greetings, Fairfax Families,

We are officially Back in Action after another long snow weekend! While the winter weather tried its best to slow us down, the energy at Fairfax High School this week has been PAWSome. From the practice fields to the performance stages, our students are showing incredible commitment to their craft and their growth.

 A Prelude to Excellence: Music Assessments

This week, our award-winning Band and Orchestra programs hosted their Assessment Showcase. This event served as a "preview" of the musicality they will take before state adjudicators in the coming weeks. The level of technical skill and emotional expression displayed by our musicians was world-class. We wish them the best of luck as they head into the formal assessment season.

DECA Takes on Virginia

We are sending off over 100 dynamic DECA students to the State Leadership Conference this weekend! These "Scholars of Business" will be competing in a wide array of events, including:

  • Entrepreneurial pitches and marketing strategies.
  • Human Resources simulations and financial literacy exams.
  • High-stakes team decision-making challenges. We are so proud of these young professionals as they represent Fairfax on the state stage.

Spring is in the Air (and on the Fields)

The snow has cleared, and our fields are once again filled with students for Spring Sports tryouts. It is wonderful to see our athletes out in the fresh air, preparing for another season of competition and camaraderie.

The Mid-Quarter Reset: Support Systems

Hard to believe, but we have already reached the halfway mark of the quarter.

  • Progress Reports: Look for these in your email inbox next week.
  • EVERY "Lion Learns" Advocacy: If your student needs a boost, please remember that we have robust supports in place. There is still plenty of time to take advantage of Lion Time, Saturday School, and our Late Bus Days (Wednesdays and Thursdays) for extra help.

We are committed to ensuring every student finishes this quarter with confidence. Let's keep this momentum going. 

Warmly,

Principal's Signature

Student Spotlight

Academic Honor Roll

Honor Roll Students

 

Earlier this week, FHS recognized over 800 A/B Honor Roll recipients with a certificate and a celebratory snack attack this week. Congratulations, Lions!! Thank you to our PTSA for providing the treats!


Join the PTSA!

Speaking of the PTSA, would you like to join and receive their newsletter? Find out how to become a member! https://www.fairfaxptsa.org/membership 


AVID Students visit JMU

students visiting JMU

🗓️Calendar Reminders


Black History Month Reflection

Black History Month FCPS

 

As we close out Black History Month, FCPS wanted to continue the celebration and reflection by sharing this Black Excellence video. It is a powerful reminder of the brilliance, resilience, and impact we see across Fairfax County Public Schools each and every day. 

This month reminded us that celebrating the accomplishments and contributions of African Americans is something we all should be proud of. Our students shined, our voices were lifted, and together we honored a legacy that continues to shape our present and our future.

Thank you for your support!


March is National Women's History Month

Women's History Month

 

Every year, March is designated Women’s History Month by presidential proclamation. The month is set aside to honor women’s contributions in American history.Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Read more about Women’s History Month in National Geographic Kids.


March is Celebrating Arts in Our Schools Month

Arts in Our Schools

 

March is Youth Art Month (YAM). The 2025/2026 theme is “The World Needs Art.”

The Council for Art Education (CFAE) administers Youth Art Month. Youth Art Month encourages support for quality school art programs, and promotes art material safety. The Council for Art Education (CFAE) administers the program at the national level. The program provides a medium for recognizing skills developed through visual arts experiences unlike any other curriculum subjects, including:

  • Problem solving
  • Creativity
  • Observation
  • Communication

Art shows, special exhibits, fundraisers, and school and community activities take place annually, traditionally during March, to celebrate visual art education for grades K – 12.


March is Music in Our Schools Month

Music in Our Schools Month

 

March 2026 marks the 41st observance of Music In Our Schools Month® (MIOSM®), a nationwide celebration designated by the National Association for Music Education (NAfME). This month-long event highlights the importance of high-quality music education for all students


National School Social Work Week, March 2-8

School Social Work Week

 

March 2-8 is National School Social Work Week. Social workers in FCPS help to prevent social, emotional, and behavioral factors from affecting a student's ability to perform at their best. Their primary goal is to remove barriers that prevent a student from fulfilling their academic potential. Social workers are assigned to every school and center in the school system. Most social workers serve one to two sites.

A HUGE Shout Out and Thank You to our outstanding Social Workers, Brian Hasser and Leanne Parente, for all the amazing work they do Every Day for our school community!

Learn more about the role of social workers in FCPS.


Saturday School this weekend, Feb 28 - and some dates updated!

Saturday School

 

Saturday school is being held tomorrow, February 28

No signup required, and snacks are provided, but transportation is on your own. Students should enter the building at Door 1, check in at the Security Desk, and report to the Library. 

Please see the UPDATED dates in bold:  

March 7, 14, 21

April 11, 18, 25

May 2, 9, 16, 23

June 6 

These dates may change, so keep an eye on this space for updates.


Fairfax Lions Need to Know:


Mock SAT (digital) or Mock ACT (paper) testing dates around the corner!

FHS Academic Boosters is partnering with Applerouth Tutoring to offer the Mock SAT (digital format) and the Mock ACT (paper format) exams again this school year:  Saturday, March 7th.

This is a perfect opportunity for students of all grades who haven’t started testing to become familiar with the format in a stress-free environment at FHS for only $25. Students will receive detailed score reports to help them determine which areas they need to study.

Students taking the Mock SAT must bring a fully charged computer.

March 7th tests:

Mock (digital) SAT registration (limited to 75): Cost $25

Test Time: Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 8:00am-10:50am

https://guidewelleducation.onecanoe.com/applerouth/school/1008801

Mock (paper) ACT registration (limited to 50): Cost $25

Test Time: Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 8:00am-11:15am

https://guidewelleducation.onecanoe.com/applerouth/school/1008801

Questions: Academicboosters@fairfaxptsa.org


Community Conversations: Share Your Thoughts with Dr. Reid

As a listening leader, connecting with community members across our school division is critical to Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid. Dr. Reid’s Community Conversations are opportunities for you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Events will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted) on: 

Child care and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all. Visit the superintendent’s engagement page for the most up-to-date information.


Student Summit

Students: Share Your Ideas With the Superintendent

The inaugural FCPS Student Summit is a superintendent-led leadership and engagement experience designed to elevate student voice across FCPS. It will take place Monday, March 23, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the new western high school

The Student Summit will bring together high school students to share ideas, perspectives, and recommendations directly with the superintendent. Students will engage in meaningful conversations on important topics, including access to programs and resources, skill-building and micro-credentials, AI literacy, and other student-identified priorities. 

Student Summit Planning Committee

High school students are encouraged to apply to serve on the FCPS Student Summit Planning Committee. Committee members will collaborate with students from other high schools, share creative and innovative ideas, and earn community service hours. Two students from each high school will be selected to serve on the planning committee. The application will be open until Monday, February 16.


School Breakfast Week, March 2-6

Multiple studies show that school breakfasts are important in supporting overall student health by improving students’ diets and combating food insecurity. Students who eat school breakfast consume more fruit and fiber than their peers. 

This National School Breakfast Week, FCPS Food and Nutrition Services reminds families that they are dedicated to providing flavorful, healthy, sustainable, and student-focused meals. New menu items have been launched this year based on student feedback. 

Would you like to know what’s for breakfast? Nutrition Services has printable menus available. 


Fentanyl Awareness

Become Unskippable: Share the Facts About Fentanyl With Teens

Talking with teens about the facts of fentanyl is a conversation you can’t skip. Learning about fentanyl gives teens a better understanding of the risks and effects of the drug, and what they can do to keep themselves and their communities safe. 

Share these important facts with your child:

  • Even half a fentanyl-laced pill can be fatal. Just a few salt-sized grains of fentanyl are enough to cause an overdose.
  • More than half of local street pills contain a deadly dose of fentanyl. As of 2023, seven in
10 counterfeit pills in the U.S. contain enough fentanyl to cause a fatal overdose.
  • Fentanyl is usually taken accidentally. Many people have no idea they’ve taken it until they overdose because you can’t see, smell, or taste it in pills and powders.
  • Overdose can happen in an instant. In as little as four minutes, the lack of oxygen can lead to brain damage and even death.

Learn more about how to have conversations with your child in a way that will make you Become Unskippable.


Meditation & Reflection Space Pass (MARS)

To revisit consistent practices, we will be revisiting our Meditation and Reflection systems for students (MARS). We are requesting ALL students receive a new temporary pass with a new permission slip in order to miss instructional time.  

When the new permission slip is returned, students will receive a permanent  MARS pass.

  • Students may leave class to meditate.  
  • Hallway 23 is the dedicated meditation space. 
  • Students should only be gone 15 mins on the meditation pass.

The library will be open for students during lunch to accommodate those who are fasting.


Teletherapy for High School Students

No-Cost Mental Health Teletherapy for All High School Students

Is your student experiencing anxiety, behavior changes, or challenges with peer and family relationships? If so, you may refer your child for weekly therapy with a licensed therapist through Hazel Health. Visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for information on this service. 


Student Report Cards

Report Cards for Quarter 2 have been posted to your ParentVue. Any issues with accessing ParentVue, please reach out to Ms. AbdelRahim-Soboleva at  mabdelrahims@fcps.edu.


Fairfax Lions Nice to Know: 


Sophomore Student/Parent College Night

Student-Parent College Night

Class of 2028, please plan to attend…

Sophomore Student/Parent College Planning Night

Tuesday, March 10, 2026

6:30 pm

FHS Auditorium

Presenter: Erin Slater, Director of Undergraduate Admissions, University of North Carolina Greensboro  

This is an informative and fun program specifically designed to help 10th graders and parents/guardians plan for college. You will learn about what colleges are looking for, how to choose a school, and the college admissions process. The presentation includes a mock admission exercise. Come learn how Admissions Officers make their decisions!

You will not want to miss this important event!

For more information or questions, contact: Ms. Maureen Kim, FHS College & Career Center Specialist, at 703-219-2204, or MHKim@fcps.edu.

Note: This is an in-person event and will not be recorded.  If you have a conflict on March 10, you can attend the same program at Woodson High School on March 11 @ 7:00 pm.

This event is sponsored by FHS PTSA and the Student Services Department


Fairfax Academy's Music & Computer Technology program presents: MCT Fest!

School Music Concert

 

Get ready for MCT Fest! 🎧 

Join us for an unforgettable showcase on March 21st @ 6PM at Fairfax High School! MCT Fest features live original music, created by the talented students of Fairfax Academy's Music & Computer Technology program. Don’t miss this chance to see the future of the music industry in action—Hope to see you there! Get your TICKETS!


Speaking of Music.... Check out this Music Contest from the Rotary Club!

Rotary Music Contest

 

The Rotary Club of Fairfax is sponsoring a Youth Music Contest for all current FHS students.

CASH Prizes:

  • First Place - $1000
  • Second Place - $500
  • Third Place - $250

Submissions are due by March 6, 2026:

Rotary Club 25-26 Music Application

Questions, contact barrygrotaryclub7610@gmail.com


Fairfax City Arbor Day Contest

Arbor Day

 

Help Fairfax City celebrate its 40th Arbor Day with a POEM!

Submissions due: March 8, 2026

"Protect the Environment Around You"

Poems should explore topics related to caring for our earth,
including air, water, soil, forests, and biodiversity.

  • The contest is open to all Fairfax City K-12 students at City of Fairfax
    Schools, The New School of Northern Virginia, and St. Leo’s the Great
    Catholic School
  • Poems must be the student’s own work without the use of AI (for
    example ChatGPT)
  • Contest winners will receive a $50 gift card and be invited to recite their
    poem at the city’s Arbor Day celebration on April 25, 2026
  • Submit Your Poem online: fairfaxva.gov/trees

District News/In Case You Missed It

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:

  • The FCPS Budget
  • School Safety 
  • Community Conversations

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.  


Quick Links


FCPS Cares

Do you want to celebrate a Fairfax employee who does ordinary things in an extraordinary way? Or goes beyond what is expected? If so, then click here to share with everyone.


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